One of the gathering places after each practice is an area outside the University of Saskatchewan Huskies’ clubhouse. The site features six plastic tubs filled with water and ice and many players. The cold tubs and the view of Griffiths Stadium is the place for players to chill at training camp.

“This is kind of nice where we have a bit of a beach, we can sit in the sun and bathe in the cold tubs,’’ said receiver Rob Bagg. “We’ve always had cold tubs everywhere that we go. Ice tubs are a part of life.’’

Each of the cold tubs can accommodate two players of all sizes. There are two larger ones inside the clubhouse that can fit even more players. The players find themselves in full view of the fans when they are soaking in the outdoor tubs.

“A lot of guys love (the cold tubs),’’ Craig Butler told Darren Zary of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix. “They’re tough to get into, but once you get into them — you’ve got that five minutes of numbness. It’s like jumping into Georgian Bay in mid-May or something like that back in Ontario. I’m used to it.”

The cold tubs are part of the recovery process from the hours spent in the two-a-day sessions. Players can be seen heading to the tubs after a walkthrough or after a full-contact practice.

“They make you feel pretty good, especially the day after,’’ Bagg said. “If you don’t do it for a few days, you will feel bruised all over. The idea is to reduce some swelling. They aren’t all that pleasant, but the results are better than being stiff the next day.’’

The Riders have their own ice machine to keep up with the demands on their cold tubs in Regina. They don’t have one in Saskatoon, which means they are shipping in 1,500 pounds of ice per day.

“You definitely have to take care of your body in training camp,’’ Butler said. “If we’re going two days with pads and you’re not healthy, you’re not helping.”

The players aren’t enjoying a day at the beach while soaking in the cold tubs. There are numerous grimaces of pain as they ease themselves into the cold tubs.